Modern vs Traditional Yurts
Sain baina uu! Hello!
Whether you are new to the world of yurts, a yurt enthusiast, or for generations your family has been building and assembling gers from scratch, you are likely aware that there is more than one type of yurt. Yurts date back to more than 3000 years ago in Central Asia and have evolved a great deal since. Traditional Mongolian and Turkic yurts are most common in Central Asia, however, the rest of the world has seen an increase in its popularity for both the traditional and modern versions. So, how does one decide which type of yurt is best for them? Well, this depends on your personal preference, physical location, local climate and municipal regulations.
Traditional Yurts
Traditional yurts are nomadic tents that have been used by Central Asian tribes for centuries. They are made of natural materials and are typically circular in shape. The structure of a traditional yurt consists of lattice walls attached in a circle. Roof rafters radiate from a central dome and rest on the lattice. A layer of sheep’s wool felt is used for insulation.
The walls and covers are held in place by horsehair rope. The floor is typically made of packed earth or a wooden platform.
Mongolian gers, in particular, are extremely efficient due to their compact silhouette that has been shaped in extreme climates over thousands of years.
Modern Yurts
Modern yurts, on the other hand, are a more recent development and are typically made from industrial materials like vinyl, which is often used for the outer canvas. The structure of modern yurts is often taller to accommodate standard doors and steeper roofs. Reflective space-age ‘bubble wrap’ is a common insulation material. The flooring is often a SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) design. Some modern yurts can also be equipped with plumbing and electrical systems.
Groovy Yurts & Mongolia
Durability
Mongolian yurts, which are still used today by about half the Mongolian population, were developed to withstand the harshest weather conditions — making them the perfect 4-season dwellings. Modern Yurts can also survive seasonal changes, which attests to why both are popular choices in North America.
Doors
The lower profile of the Mongolian yurt has been tried and tested for thousands of years and is still honoured throughout Mongolia to this day. Notably, the doors are smaller by North American standards. This is not because Mongolians are short, but rather, because of functionality and physics. The short doorway allows for a more aerodynamic shape, making it easy for the yurt structure to endure high winds. Additionally, it is also proven to be more efficient to heat during the winter season.
Modern yurts were designed with higher doors to fit the North American building codes. It should be noted that this modification is not as effective at resisting high winds and makes it less efficient to heat.
Materials
Another main difference is the materials that are used to construct the yurts. Traditional Yurts are hand-made with natural and breathable materials, avoiding the use of plastic to cover and insulate the yurt. Modern Yurts are mainly constructed with vinyl covers and manufactured materials. A big concern with the use of impermeable materials is that the yurt will consequently struggle with condensation issues, affecting the ease of maintenance and overall comfort of the yurt.
About Groovy Yurts
At Groovy Yurts, we have modified the yurt very slightly, with reverence to Mongolian tradition. Unlike our friends in Mongolia, we experience a humid climate, therefore we have added a layer of a breathable membrane between the canvas and the felt insulation. This layer of house wrap helps to prevent leaks and to keep humidity at bay.
As one of the oldest dwellings in the world, the yurt continues to amaze us with its ability to adapt to different needs and environments. While modern and traditional yurts have their differences, they all share a core value of wholeness—bringing people together. So, here it is: the similarities and contrasts between these two yurt styles. The million-dollar question is, which one is right for you?
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